The off fore is the right front leg of a horse. “Off” indicates the right side — the side opposite the near side — and “fore” indicates a front leg, as opposed to a hind. The off fore is one of four leg designations used consistently in British equestrianism, veterinary practice, and farriery: near fore (left front), off fore (right front), near hind (left rear), and off hind (right rear). Understanding these terms removes ambiguity in any conversation about a horse’s legs, soundness, or shoeing.
Why the Off Fore Matters in Lameness Assessment
The off fore is statistically one of the most common sites of lameness in horses in work. Front legs bear approximately 60% of the horse’s total weight at rest, and this loading increases substantially in work — particularly in trot and canter, where each foreleg takes the impact of the horse’s weight and forward momentum in sequence. The off fore, as the right foreleg, takes the weight during canter on the left rein when the horse is leading with the near fore — meaning it is the trailing foreleg and absorbs the impact of each stride without the mechanical advantage of the leading position.
When a vet assesses a horse for lameness, specifying off fore versus near fore is essential for accurate diagnosis. A horse that nods its head down as a particular leg lands is typically lame in that leg — the head drop is a compensatory mechanism to shift weight off the painful limb. In off fore lameness, the head will dip as the off fore strikes the ground and rise as the near fore lands, because the horse is relieving the painful right front leg. Accurate observation of this pattern directs the subsequent nerve blocking and imaging. For detailed guidance, see the BEVA lameness investigation resources.
Off Fore in Farriery
Farriers note which foot they are working on precisely because shoe size, shape, and balance requirements can differ between the near fore and off fore on the same horse. Most horses have a dominant foreleg — often the near fore, since horses are typically led from the near side and may bear weight predominantly on that side when stationary — and this can result in subtle asymmetries in foot shape, break-over, or wear pattern between the two forefeet.
A good farrier will observe and measure both front feet, note any asymmetry, and consider whether corrective shoeing is warranted. A horse with a clubfoot — a steeper, more upright hoof capsule — more commonly presents this on one foreleg than the other; the affected leg is identified as near fore or off fore to direct treatment. See our entry on hoof balance for more on how the farrier assesses foot symmetry.
Off Fore in Training and Movement
The off fore plays a specific role in canter and gallop footfall. In canter on the left rein (left lead), the sequence of footfall is: right hind, then left hind and right fore (off fore) nearly simultaneously, then left fore (near fore) as the leading leg, followed by a moment of suspension. In right canter, the off fore becomes the leading leg. Riders and trainers reference the off fore specifically when discussing strike-off, lead changes, and the quality of canter work.
A horse that consistently strikes off on the wrong leg — picking up the off fore as the leading leg when asked to canter on the right rein, for example — may have a physical reason (stiffness or discomfort on the right rein) or a training gap. Identifying which leg is being used tells you where to begin investigating. See our related entry on canter lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my horse is lame in the off fore?
Watch the horse trotting away from you and towards you on a hard, level surface. If the horse is lame in the off fore, you will typically see the head nod downward as the off fore contacts the ground — the horse lowers its head to take weight off the painful leg at the moment the good leg (near fore) bears down. The degree of head nod reflects the severity of lameness. Subtle lameness may only be apparent on a circle or after flexion testing. A veterinary assessment is necessary to confirm lameness location and cause.
What is the most common off fore injury in sport horses?
Tendon and ligament injuries are among the most frequent off fore problems in sport horses, particularly the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) which runs down the back of the cannon bone. Navicular syndrome, hoof imbalance, and joint conditions affecting the fetlock or coffin joint are also common. Repetitive loading during jumping, eventing, and racing makes the off fore vulnerable in horses doing high-impact work. Early detection — regular monitoring for heat, swelling, and any subtle changes in movement — significantly improves outcomes for tendon and soft tissue injuries.
Why do farriers start with the off fore?
Farriery convention varies between individual farriers and regional traditions. Some start with the near fore; others start with the off fore. The reason often given for starting with the off fore is that it is the less-handled leg — horses are accustomed to having the near fore picked up from being led from the near side — and therefore getting the potentially less cooperative foot done while the horse is fresh and settled makes practical sense. As with many equestrian conventions, the specific reasoning matters less than consistency: a farrier who works in a consistent order allows the horse to anticipate and accept the process more easily.